CONTRIBUTED
Racers from schools throughout New England participated in the race, showing off their talents in designing and building electric vehicles.
The vehicles themselves were unique in terms of engineering, design, speed, and maneuverability. Seymour’s electric vehicle was a kit-based model that was modified to include custom fabricated steering and braking components and the vehicle performed with outstanding results.
The high school’s Electric Vehicle Club prepped for the race for months.
Students designed and modeled portions of the vehicle with a 3D Computer Aided Drafting and Design program called Solid Works.
They then were able to print out prototypes on a three-dimensional printer to ensure a precise fit before actually fabricating the components.
Race day began with an inspection of the vehicles at 8:45 a.m. to ensure that all vehicles were race-ready. Teams had one hour to complete as many laps as possible.
As the day progressed, teams took practice laps, and then the first heat of the race started near noon. The second heat ended; the final laps were tallied, and the award ceremony concluded the day.
The hard work paid off as the team and the drivers of the car, Bradley and Jakob Elder, placed second in the Novice Division with 40 laps and 28 miles around the track without any breakdowns or mishaps.
When asked before the race, Brad said he felt “nervous” but afterword he happily said, “I’m relieved it’s over. A few cars had close run-ins on the track, but I’m happy we won.”
Needless to say, the event was an incredible display of innovation and creativity. Teams applied engineering, physics, electrical knowledge, fabrication, manufacturing, and mechanical skills to create the electric vehicles.
The next steps for Seymour High School include adjusting gear ratios, improving pit stop times, and calibrating other aspects of the vehicle to participate in the 2013 Fall Electrathon.
For the 2013 – 2014 school year, the club will be transitioning into a full-year class but will continue to maintain its status as an after school club.
As students at Seymour High School are preparing for the Fall Electrathon they will simultaneously be designing a new chassis and vehicle utilizing a 3D Computer Aided Drafting program.
Midway through the year, the new designs will be fabricated at Seymour High School with the goal of racing two vehicles in the May 2014 Electrathon.
All current materials and equipment were purchased through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Innovation Grant which is funded via the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
If anyone would like further information about the program or information about how they could assist the program please contact Assistant Principal Paul Lucke at 203 – 888-2561 ext 1100.
A group shot is posted below. Pictured in the back row from left to right are Kane Lehning, Shawn Dupuis, Mr. Perrucci, Franklin Macdonald, Ashley Hermance, Charlotte Garguilo, and Mr. Stock. In the front row are Kellen Vrlik, Chris Johnson, Bryan Rodriguez, Brad Elder, Andrew Gavin, and Tom Revere. Seated in the vehicle is Jakob Elder.
